Gunflint / Superior Lake ?

[The_Vex_Man]

How is gunflint for four wheeler traffic? I would prefer not to drive as I have almost lost a truck on the ice before. Also how does a guy access Superior in the winter? and how far out can you fish? Is their more options than just Lakers in these two lakes?

[Surface Tension]

As far as Gunflint, I never driven out there in a truck. Between thinner ice around Opener, snow, and slush there just isn't to many times you can rely on a truck. For a 4 wheeler, take the thinner ice out of the equation. Snow and slush could ruin those plans but most years you could get by on a wheeler. Sleds are king on Gunflint.

Superior, not very often it'll freeze over. Your best bet is to visit the WI Apostle Islands-Chequamegon-Hurley-Turtle Flambeau Flowage WI/Ashland-Bayfield-Iron-Price County

[leech~~]

Doesn't the Gunflint Lodge plow a short road out to the small hump down in front of their place? I haven't been up their in years but I think they use to? We always took sleds up.

[Transporter]

Gunflint typically has too much snow for a four wheeler to be effective. I haven't been down there this winter, but some of the border lakes I have been fishing have only 4-6 inches of snow at this time. Superior is a different story, because it freezes much later it doesn't normally have a lot of snow cover after freeze up, that, of course, can change if we get a big snowfall. Minnesota portions of the lake, with the exception of areas near the Canadian border, are iffy for ice cover at best and experience with the conditions and reading wind and weather patterns are a must. South shore areas in Wisconsin normally have good ice cover by late January early February. You will travel several miles minimum to get to good areas, four wheelers are ok, but snowmobiles are preferred ony because you may have to cross pressure ridges nad it is safer with a sled. Canadian shoreline has many more bays and small islands that allow ice to form earlier, many of these areas are accessible by walking in addition to motorized methods. I typically catch lake trout, salmon and large whitefish with occasional herring and steelhead. I seldom need to go more than 2 miles from shore mostly a few hundred yards, one of the bays I fish has more foot traffic than motorized. Pressure is far less in these areas than the more populated south shore. As far as electronics, I use a FL-8 flasher down to 50-60 feet, deeper than that a color Furuno machine that I customized for ice use, it works just as well on the ice as it does from a boat.

This type of fishing is rather specialized as far as gear and tactics go, it takes a level of commitment,(financial and time), slightly higher than that of general ice fishing. You have a lot to learn in a short time, once you get it figured out you will be hooked. These fish are aggressive and hard hitting, seldom is finesse needed, and bringing ten pound plus fish through the hole is common. Have a ball if you decide to try.

[JBMasterAngler]

I just got an e-mail back fron gunflint lodge saying there's isn't much snow on the lake. He said ice conditions were good, but didn't say how thick. And yes, there's always been a plowed road out of the public access the few times I've been there.

The last time I seen ice on the northshore was in '07, and of course I didn't have my fishing equipment with me I really wish it would freeze over again, I'd love to give it a try! My guess is it won't happen this year.

[fishinfey8]

Ohhh do I wish the north shore locked up every year!!

[Northlander]

I just got an e-mail back fron gunflint lodge saying there's isn't much snow on the lake. He said ice conditions were good, but didn't say how thick. And yes, there's always been a plowed road out of the public access the few times I've been there.

The last time I seen ice on the northshore was in '07, and of course I didn't have my fishing equipment with me I really wish it would freeze over again, I'd love to give it a try! My guess is it won't happen this year.

Nope I seriosly doubt it man.